Members of loyalty schemes with United Continental Holdings will receive a mileage bonus when they donate money to the American Red Cross to support victims of Japan’s earthquake and tsunami. The airline group says it is committing up to five million miles for contributions made before the end of April. Members who donate $50 will receive 250 bonus miles, or 500 miles for $100.

United Airlines Foundation president Sonya Jackson said: “Our thoughts go out to those living and working in Japan, including more than 1,000 of our own co-workers, as they deal with this tragic event. Our customers always step up in times like these, and we are proud to do our part by offering a mileage bonus incentive to our Mileage Plus and OnePass members who are supporting this critical humanitarian relief effort.”

United and Continental are also flying doctors and healthcare workers out to the stricken country and donating cargo space for relief supplies.